The Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, during the conflict celebrated by America250.
Congress created the army to coordinate military forces from the Thirteen Colonies against the British Army. It incorporated existing Patriot forces gathered around Boston and other colonial units. The army represented the colonies collectively rather than serving only one province or colony.
On June 15, Congress unanimously selected George Washington as commander-in-chief. He retained that position throughout the Revolutionary War, overseeing campaigns from the Siege of Boston through the victory at Yorktown.
The Continental Army was different from local militias, which remained under colonial or state control. Its soldiers served in a national force directed by Congress. The army was largely disbanded in 1783 after the Treaty of Paris formally ended the war, although small detachments remained at key posts.